At least two Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in new attacks,
but the possibilty that attacks will increase precipitously after Dec. 31 seems assured — whether U.S. troops stay or go.

Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadragain warnedU.S. soldiers to leave Iraq by the scheduled Dec.
31 deadline or face
renewed violence. Currently, no public decision has been made to retain
U.S. troops — which would require approval from Iraqi lawmakers — but confirmation
of an extension is expected soon. While attacks against U.S. targets continue
almost daily, they have resulted in fewer casualties since late 2009 when officials
announced the withdrawal date for the troops. Should that date be postponed
or ignored, it could mean an increase in U.S. servicemember deaths.

On the other hand, if the Americans do leave on schedule,
the various militias could make good on threats
to attack
those Iraqis
who assisted U.S. troops. Tens of thousands of
Iraqis have worked for the U.S. government or American contractors since
the beginning of the occupation. Many have already been killed or are in hiding
because of their work. They would like to immigrate to the United States, but
proper visas are difficult to win even for them. The U.S. embassy, meanwhile,
is warning
such hopefuls of Green Card scams taking advantage of the situation.

Look, assuming the US leaves – not a sure bet – what happens afterward is not our problem. Yeah, we created the situation but I'm a firm believer is self-determination. The Sunni-Shi'ite feud had been kept under the surface and relatively under control by Saddam. Was it fair? NOT OUR BUSINESS. We opened Pandora's Box by removing the lid and now it's time to get out. If there is going to be MORE ethnic cleansing, it's obviously going to happen whether the US is there or not – it's been going on since we walked into Baghdad. We didn't stop it then so why be concerned now?

It's none of our business. If the purpose of our staying is to protect the oil services companies, let them pay to protect themselves. It's not in the best interest of the US to remain – or go in in the first place!! We've been over-zealous for many years about getting involved in other countries internal issues. Time to stop.

Let's take care of America first. Consider this: If we spent the money we're spending on Empire fixing the problems we have internally as a country – if we put people back to work and reduce the numbers of Americans in poverty and hunger – we'll have the money to help people suffering overseas in REAL humanitarian efforts. If we put people back to work and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, we'll be able to lower, even farther, the tax rates and still have billions to provide REAL HUMANITARIAN aid to those who need it. If we put people back to work, and mind our own business elsewhere, we'll regain that lost glory as a place others can aspire to and emulate – instead of being despised worldwide as invaders, murderers, and pillagers.